Is it OK to install a wakeboard tower on an outboard boat?

[hkeiner]

I am considering installing a wakeboard tower on my outboard boat (a 1996 Maxum 1900XR with a 150HP Merc. outboard motor). I want the tower primarily for storage (to hold kneeboards, wakeboards, skis, etc.) but would use it for pulling wakeboarders too. I already have a ski pylon near the motor to use for tubing and water skiing.

It appears that most boats I see with wakeboard towers are inboards or I/O boats. Is there a reason to NOT put a tower on an outboard boat?

Thanks for any thoughts on this subject.

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Is it OK to install a wakeboard tower on an outboard boat?

If you do you will have to get an obnoxiously loud stereo system and run wide open throttle 25' away from guys fishing in small tin boats.​

 

[AguaSki]

Re: Is it OK to install a wakeboard tower on an outboard boat?

There is not a problem installing a tower on boat powered by an outboard. The rental fleet at my local lake has towers matched with outboards. Generally you see the towers on inboard & I/O's because the extra weight of these motors creates a larger wake which is what most wakeboarder's want. Your outboard does not weigh as much as an I/O of a similar size, so your wake will be much smaller. Sounds like you are mostly interested in storage than the wakeboarding, so you should be fine. A tower is an expensive storage option.

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: Is it OK to install a wakeboard tower on an outboard boat?

150hp>> Hell ya go for it, did you try posting a thread on the "wakeboard" Forum?? you will prob see its very common on out boards.

 

[deejaycee_2000]

Re: Is it OK to install a wakeboard tower on an outboard boat?

no reason ..... you can add it is you want ......

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Is it OK to install a wakeboard tower on an outboard boat?

If you do you will have to get an obnoxiously loud stereo system and run wide open throttle 25' away from guys fishing in small tin boats.​

 

[jtexas]

Re: Is it OK to install a wakeboard tower on an outboard boat?

NO! You'll be shunned by the outboard community, who curse the man who invented a boat that makes as big a wake as possible, and ostracized by the wakeboarding community, who look down they're noses at anything so ghetto as a boat with the engine bolted on to the outside.

 

[hkeiner]

Re: Is it OK to install a wakeboard tower on an outboard boat?

Sounds like you are mostly interested in storage than the wakeboarding, so you should be fine. A tower is an expensive storage option.

Yes expensive, but cheaper than buying a different boat or leaving the skis, kneeboard, and wakeboard laying around on the floor, which is a real pain. I am considering the Monster tower, which is not too big or too expensive.

 

[AguaSki]

Re: Is it OK to install a wakeboard tower on an outboard boat?

I am considering the Monster tower, which is not too big or too expensive.

Check out www.diywake.com. These towers are about 1/2 the price of Monster towers and look as good.

 

[nordic1810]

Re: Is it OK to install a wakeboard tower on an outboard boat?

I have a tower on my 18 foot with 150hp works okay.
Any idea on rope length and speed? (current 34' and 18mph)
Also, would some ballast and longer rope be better?

 

[vandy21]

Re: Is it OK to install a wakeboard tower on an outboard boat?

I am going to Install a wakeboard tower on my outboard boat as well. One concern that I saw somebody had on wakeboarder.com, was they thought that the tow rope could hit the casing of the outboard if it ever was down that low. I wouldn't think this would happen easily or do a lot of damage, but I just thought I'd throw the idea out there. worst comes to worst, if it does happen, just glue some type of protective foam or something to the cowl.

 

[AguaSki]

Re: Is it OK to install a wakeboard tower on an outboard boat?

I have a tower on my 18 foot with 150hp works okay.
Any idea on rope length and speed? (current 34' and 18mph)
Also, would some ballast and longer rope be better?

Don't know about 34' in rope, but the length seems reasonable. Just experiment until you think you have the correct length. 18 mph is about right, and some ballast sacks would make up for the weight advantage an OB has over an I/O. The heavy hull from the ballast should produce a larger wake, but I still have trouble with the idea of intentionally pumping water into my boat.

 

[dvan1901]

Re: Is it OK to install a wakeboard tower on an outboard boat?

One thing you need to be mindful of though is the fiberglass thickness at your mount points. You may have to get under there and add some fiberglass and maybe glass in some extra metal to take the stress off of the gel coat. Check out www.monstertower.com and their design with the Heim joint